DANGERS OF EATING WHILE DRIVING

It’s important to understand the dangers associated with eating while driving. There are three common types of distractions that impair drivers’ abilities to safely operate their vehicles and avoid crashes:
1. Visual distractions occur when a driver’s eyes are diverted away from the road to complete or pay attention to another task.

2. Manual distractions require drivers to take their hands off of the wheel.

3. Cognitive distractions take a driver’s mind and focus away from driving.

Each of these distractions are dangerous, but when combined they pose an even greater risk to driver, passenger and pedestrian safety.

Eating and driving often incorporates a combination of one or more distractions. Drivers must unwrap food packaging, use napkins, hold the food with at least one hand, apply condiments and complete other activities while operating a vehicle.

This makes eating while driving a particularly dangerous activity. And spilling beverages – especially hot beverages—is very distracting for a driver.